Reports

Report of Haydon Wick Youth Council Visit to the Mayor’s Parlour, Civic Offices

on Wednesday 7 July 2010

Present:  Joshua Iles, Summer Tsokos, Jordan Humphrey, Ethan Brayshaw, Daisy Wheeler, Councillor Hailstone and Mrs K Smith

The Youth Council members were met at the Civic Offices by the Mayor, Councillor Rex Barnett and his wife Sandra, the Mayoress.  Introductions took place and the members were taken into the Mayor’s Parlour.   Sandwiches, cakes and drinks were provided.

The members were shown the Mayor’s and Mayoress’s Chains of Office.  The Chain of Office is worn by the Mayor at every important occasion and bears the name of every Mayor.  Some of the members tried on the Chain of Office and the Mayor’s hat and robes.  The Mayor’s hat is trimmed in gold, and the Deputy Mayor is trimmed in silver.  A lady Mayor has the choice of a 3 cornered hat.

Photographs were taken of the members with the Mayor and Mayoress.

The members were shown the cabinets holding the old Chains of Office, various awards, trophies and gifts that have been received during visits.  One of the trophies was of Micky Mouse. The Mayor explained that a Swindon resident won a competition which resulted in Disney Florida becoming twinned with Swindon.  The previous Mayor visited Florida and brought back the trophy in February 2010 which was presented in honour of becoming the first Twinned town with Disney Florida.   The Mayor told the members that Micky Mouse from America made an appearance at this year’s Old Town Festival.

The Major explained about the Swindon Borough Coat of Arms and what the different parts of it represent, ie the Swan stands for the River Thames and the Engine for the Great Western Railway. There have been 3 Coats of Arms since 1900, the current was adopted after Swindon became Unitary in 1997.  The Swindon motto is “Health and Industry”. 

The Mayor explained that as well as representing Swindon and the Queen, his duties included chairing the main Council meetings.  He was asked if he had met the Queen and he replied that he and the Mayoress have been invited to attend her Garden Party on 20 July.   The Mayor has also carried out many engagements since commencing his term of office and in his role as Deputy Mayor the previous year.  These have included attending cultural events, school plays and shows at the Wyvern Theatre.  One of the members asked if the Mayor could attend her school play.  The Mayor also raises money for Charity and has nominated three main charities which he will support during his Term of Office.

The members were shown the Mace and the Mayor explained its historical background  and its significance during main Council meetings.  It is very valuable and is only 1 of 5 Maces remaining in the Country.  It is unique in that it bears the cipher of King Edward VIII the Queen’s brother who was never crowned. 

The members then visited one of the Committee Room’s where they were shown pictures of all the Mayors of Swindon since 1900.  They then went through to the main Council Chamber and Public Gallery where the main Council meetings are held. 

The members expressed their thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress for their hospitality and for making the visit an interesting and informative experience.